The Lemon Index2016 Chevrolet Suburban.
The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is worse than average by owner complaints: 95 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 158, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 18 to 19 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Suburban year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 220 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Suburban year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 29K to 88K miles on the car (131 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 40K–85K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 72K–127K miles
Recalls 6
- brakes 2019
If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
- brakes 2019
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- airbags 2017
While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition.
Show all 6 recalls
- visibility 2017
These vehicles were assembled with a convex right-hand outside mirror, instead of with a non-convex (flat) right-hand outside mirror.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
- suspension 2016
The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1780 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No Audio Except Chime Distorted Or Inoperative Rear Camera -No Audio- Displayed On Audio Page…
- Some customers may comment about a rough idle and/or vibration at idle in Drive
- Some customers may comment that the vehicle has reduced acceleration at low speed and/or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake vacuum pump failure2018–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Hard brake pedal at least 6 times. Pedal gets hard during low-speed conditions, when either backing up or when the rear avoidance system is activated. Lasts about three minutes, then goes back to normal
2016 Chevrolet Suburban owner · NHTSA complaint 11231285
More owner reports
Brakes became extremely hard to press at a low speed. Had to swerve onto the shoulder while going down a hill because I wasn't able to stop. This has happened several times.
NHTSA complaint 11254369
At idle rpms, when inching forward loss of power breaks. Also when backing up, loss of breaks. Have to push on breaks super hard to stop vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11240988
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 158; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Suburban year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Suburban problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (48%), body structure (8%) and engine (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban have?
6 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Suburban problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 29,000 and 88,000 miles. The middle report was at 60,000 miles, from 131 complaints.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban have?
5.3L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Suburban year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works